Supplier Development Engineer

Career Area

Procurement

Job Description

Your Work Shapes the World at Caterpillar Inc.

When you join Caterpillar, you're joining a global team who cares not just about the work we do – but also about each other. We are the makers, problem solvers, and future world builders who are creating stronger, more sustainable communities. We don't just talk about progress and innovation here – we make it happen, with our customers, where we work and live. Together, we are building a better world, so we can all enjoy living in it.

Caterpillar is seeking a Supplier Development Engineer in Peoria, IL. In this role, you will continuously monitor suppliers' key manufacturing processes and quality management systems for improvement opportunities and assist with Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) activities to ensure production readiness for New Product Introduction (NPI). This dynamic position offers the chance to work on cutting-edge projects, travel globally, and make a significant impact on our of machine cabs, controls and seat operations.

What You Can Look Forward To In This Role

• Responsible for supplier processes from design to end of product life.
• Ensures supplier quality management systems and capabilities are adequate.
• Manages APQP activities and helps suppliers extract value from the process.
• Reviews and audits APQP documentation and process control implementation.
• Ensures resolution of quality issues and validates corrective action plans.
• Conducts quality system audits and Supplier Evaluation Surveys (SES).
• Leads Supplier Performance Management Reviews (SPM) and supports 6 Sigma initiatives.
• Executes activities from CPPD, NPI, and CPI teams to improve supplier processes.
  
  

A successful candidate in this role will showcase their skills in:

• Quality Orientation: Knowledge of quality management methods, tools, and techniques; ability to create and support an environment that meets the quality goals of the organization.
• Production Part Approval Process (PPAP): Knowledge of Production Part Approval Processes (PPAP) elements, submissions, and objectives; ability to determine whether a supplier can manufacture products that meet the quality requirements and standards of their customers consistently.
• Supplier Evaluations and Certification: Knowledge of supplier evaluations and certification; ability to identify the methods, tools and documentation for evaluating, selecting and certifying vendors, suppliers and partners.
• Problem Solving: Knowledge of approaches, tools, techniques for recognizing, anticipating, and resolving organizational, operational or process problems; ability to apply knowledge of problem solving appropriately to diverse situations.
  
  

Top Candidates For This Position May Also Have

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering AND experience working with suppliers to deliver on product quality.
• Proficiency in data-driven decision making, with a demonstrated ability to analyze and interpret data to inform strategic decisions.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, enabling effective collaboration with internal teams, stakeholders, and suppliers.
• Demonstrate strong negotiation skills that includes the ability to interpret, analyze and communicate Caterpillar requirements.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills in dealing with sensitive issues, developing others, and reaching consensus on specific actions
• Experience with quality methodologies necessary to support process improvement.
  
  

Additional Information

The primary location for this position is Peoria, IL.

Sponsorship is not available

Travel: 35%, domestic and international

Summary Pay Range

$110,520.00 - $165,840.00

Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Caterpillar.

Benefits

Subject to plan eligibility, terms, and guidelines. This is a summary list of benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits*
• Paid time off plan (Vacation, Holidays, Volunteer, etc.)*
• 401(k) savings plans*
• Health Savings Account (HSA)*
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)*
• Health Lifestyle Programs*
• Employee Assistance Program*
• Voluntary Benefits and Employee Discounts*
• Career Development*
• Incentive bonus*
• Disability benefits
• Life Insurance
• Parental leave
• Adoption benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• These benefits also apply to part-time employees
  
  

This position requires working onsite five days a week.

Visa Sponsorship is not available for this position. This employer is not currently hiring foreign national applicants that require or will require sponsorship tied to a specific employer, such as, H, L, TN, F, J, E, O. As a global company, Caterpillar offers many job opportunities outside of the U.S which can be found through our employment website at www.caterpillar.com/careers.

Posting Dates

October 27, 2025 - November 3, 2025

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a drug screen.

Caterpillar is an Equal Opportunity Employer, Including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. Qualified applicants of any age are encouraged to apply.

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